Watch: Former Illinois Star Terrence Shannon Jr. Throws Down Dunk in NBA Preseason for Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves first-rounder Terrence Shannon Jr. lights up the NBA preseason

Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) dribbles the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini n the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Former Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. was one of the best transition players in college basketball last season, and in his first official NBA action last week – the Minnesota Timberwolves' first 2024-25 preseason game – he showed that his skills should translate just fine to the next level:

MY GOODNESS TJ 😳 pic.twitter.com/NT9fPnq38v

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 5, 2024

In a game headlined by the debut of Lakers rookie Bronny James (son of you-know-who), Shannon stole the show with a Eurostep, single-leg, left-handed dunk through traffic. The degree of difficulty was no joke, and Shannon – the No. 27 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, out of Illinois – made it look effortless in his new duds.

What's more, Shannon blended substance with style, putting together a well-rounded stat line of 14 points, five assists and four rebounds, and showcasing his chemistry with backcourt mate and fellow first-rounder Rob Dillingham (who had the dime on Shannon's big dunk).

Between Shannon’s prowess in transition and on-ball defense, he figures to get some burn as a rookie. His ability to knock down open 3s will ultimately decide whether he can expand that role on an established Timberwolves squad that is expected to rate among the league contenders.

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Former Illinois Guard Terrence Shannon Taken by Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 27 in NBA Draft